Ben Vrackie, near Pitlochry

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Ben Vrackie is indelibly associated with the town of Pitlochry at its foot, and has for long been an extremely popular ascent for those visiting the town. The summit is a great viewpoint and the ascent follows good paths through woodland, open moorland and past picturesque Loch a' Choire. The route description includes two optional extensions to make longer walks.

Terrain

Well made path with some steep sections on the ascent of Ben Vrackie.

Public Transport

Buses and long distance coaches to Pitlochry.

Start

Ben Vrackie car park off lane just north west of Moulin . Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Start at the Ben Vrackie car park which is just northwest of Moulin. Turn left off the A924 immediately behind the Moulin Hotel and follow the road uphill and continue straight ahead at a junction. The car park is a short distance up the lane on the right. Begin the walk by continuing up the tarmac lane, reaching a second higher car park on the right after 250m or so. From the car park take a signed footpath that leads uphill through beech trees. Cross a track and continue uphill, skirting the woodland and turn left onto a small track. Cross another forestry track and follow the path across a bridge and through woodland until you pass through a gate onto the open moorland.

Stage 2

The path crosses the heather moorland giving the first views of the summit of Ben Vrackie. There are good views back to Pitlochry and the River Tummel below. Continue on the main path where a path heads off to the left. This is part of the Bealach walk and the return way if you choose the optional extension around Loch a' Choire. The track passes through another gate and continues gently uphill.

Stage 3

The path now dips down towards Loch a' Choire. As you round the corner you can see the steep path climbing the side of Ben Vrackie on the other side of the Loch. After passing a beautifully carved seat on the left continue across the small dam and cross the outlet stream on stepping stones to start the climb to the summit.

Stage 4

The climb to the top at 841 metres is steep but the path is excellent and the views across to Beinn a Ghlò and the Cairngorms beyond. There is a viewpoint marker at the summit so you can work out what you are looking at. The easiest return route is by the same outward path. A slightly longer detour around Loch a' Choire is described as an alternative.

Stage 5

Return downhill until just before the outlet for Loch a' Choire. Here take the clear path branching off to the right and skirt around the edge of the Loch. Towards the far end the path becomes boggy and climbs slightly through heather moorland. Keep on the main path which is waymarked in yellow.

Stage 6

The narrow path continues with good views towards Blair Atholl. Continue downhill until you reach a clear T junction signed for Killiecrankie to the right. Taking this turn allows you to join the rest of the Bealach and River Garry walk which would add an additional 7km to your route. Turn left to climb gently uphill and through the Bealach na Searmoin to eventually return to the outward Ben Vrackie path where you turn right and head downhill to the start of the walk.

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